Designing Work That Fits: Jill Rafter on Consulting, Motherhood, and Self-Trust

What if the thing you're most afraid of is the exact path toward what you truly want?
That question shaped a pivotal chapter in Jill Rafter’s life—and ultimately led her to build a values-driven business that gives her more time with her family, space for creative work, and a sense of deep alignment.

In our latest episode of Conversations with Erica, I talk with Jill Rafter, a Greater Boston–based edtech consultant, writer, and former coaching client of mine. Jill shares how her path shifted dramatically when she became a parent and began to question what she wanted her professional life to look like.

“I hadn’t ever let myself get that far into that thinking… It felt off-limits to me. And it didn’t after our work together.”

From Fear to Permission

During our conversation, Jill opens up about the fears that came up as she considered self-employment: financial uncertainty, loss of professional identity, and concerns about missing out on time with her son. What helped her move forward was the ability to play out the possibilities—on paper and in real life. She began taking action even before everything felt certain.

“The scariest one—the one that had the least certainty—was the one I kept going back to because it held the promise of a happier life.”

That mindset shift allowed Jill to stop defaulting to job listings that didn’t reflect her priorities—and instead start building something of her own.

Creating Her Own Rhythm

Jill now works with mission-driven edtech and nonprofit clients, helping them grow through strategy, writing, and operational support. She’s built a business that lets her show up fully as both a collaborator and a parent.

“I’ve gotten into a rhythm where my son is in daycare three days a week, and I work on those days. The other two, I’m all his—and I love that.”

She’s continually navigating what feels balanced—making space for work, parenting, and rest in ways that shift over time. Jill has crafted a structure that allows her to experiment, reflect, and revise.

“If I look at a month where I worked fewer hours, I also got hours back for myself and my family—and there was a lot of value in that.”

Living With Intention

Jill’s story is about more than transitioning into consulting. It’s about listening to yourself, getting clear on what matters most, and learning to put yourself out there even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Whether you’re navigating a career crossroads, building a business, or exploring what motherhood means for your professional path, Jill’s insights offer grounded, thoughtful encouragement.

Reflection Questions:

• What parts of your professional life feel most aligned with who you are today?

• What have you been waiting to give yourself permission to explore?

• What could shift if you stopped assuming things are off-limits?

• Are you letting all-or-nothing thinking limit your options?

Explore More

Jill generously shares more about her journey in this short video, where she reflects on how coaching helped her shift her perspective and create a life that feels more like her.

To learn more about her work, visit Jill Rafter’s LinkedIn profile.

And if Jill’s story resonates, I encourage you to tune in to our full conversation on the podcast.

➡️ Listen to the full episode: Being True to Myself: Jill Rafter on Consulting and Motherhood

Let me know what stood out to you. What does this spark for you in your own journey?